In order to provide additional support to the pollution response mechanisms of EU Member States in a cost efficient way, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) operates, in European waters, a range of oil pollution response (OPR) services consisting of a Network of stand-by oil spill response vessels, Equipment Assistance Service (EAS) including specialised stand-alone equipment arrangements, as well as dispersant stockpiles. The OPR services are available for responding to oil spills at sea caused by ships as well as by oil and gas installations at the request of a coastal State, a Private Entity, and/or the European Commission.

In order to provide additional support to the EU Member States’ pollution response mechanisms in a cost efficient way, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) operates, in European waters, a range of pollution response services consisting of a Network of Standby Oil Spill Response Vessels, the Equipment Assistance Service (EAS) including specialised stand-alone equipment arrangements, as well as dispersant stockpiles. In addition the Agency is tasked to support Member States in case of marine incidents involving chemicals. Since 2009, EMSA is providing expert advice fohazardous and noxious substances (HNS) through its MAR-ICE Network.

To achieve the level of performance for pollution response required by the Agency, the contracted services have to perform regular training, drills, Equipment Condition Tests and exercises.